Smart Choices Start with Real Facts.
Tartrazine & Hyperactivity: What Science Says (2025)
If you’ve ever grabbed a packet of bright orange chips, a lemon-flavoured candy, or a bottle of fizzy drink, you’ve likely consumed tartrazine, even if you didn’t know it by name. It’s commonly known as Yellow 5, one of the most popular artificial food dyes.
I still remember the first time I read the ingredients list on a pack of sweets. I wasn’t looking for anything specific; I was just curious. There it was, between sugar and citric acid: Tartrazine (E102). I didn’t think much of it at the time. However, over time, I began to see headlines linking it to hyperactivity in children. That’s when I wondered, “What’s going on?”
This post aims to explain everything in simple terms.
What Exactly is Tartrazine?
Tartrazine is a synthetic yellow dye. It doesn’t come from turmeric or saffron; it’s made from petroleum products. It’s cheap, bright, and stable under heat, which is why food companies favour it. You can find it in everything from jelly to instant noodles, soft drinks, mustard, and even some medicines and vitamins.
In most ingredient lists, it shows up under names like:
- Tartrazine
- E102 (in Europe)
- FD&C Yellow No. 5 (in the US)
Why People Worry About It
Concerns about tartrazine are not new. As far back as the 1970s, researchers studied whether artificial dyes, including Yellow 5, could affect children’s behaviour. Parents began noticing that their kids became restless, fidgety, or had trouble focusing after eating brightly colored processed foods.
For a long time, these observations were dismissed as anecdotal. But the discussion picked up again as larger studies began to find patterns that were difficult to overlook.
What the Research Says
Here’s where it gets complicated: not all studies agree. Some indicate a clear link between artificial dyes and behaviour changes in children, while others argue that the evidence isn’t strong enough to confirm a direct cause.
Still, a few key studies stand out:
1. Feingold Hypothesis (1970s)
Dr. Benjamin Feingold, an allergist, proposed that artificial colours and flavours could trigger hyperactivity in some children. While his initial work wasn’t flawless, it led to years of research.
2. Southampton Study (2007)
This UK study tested combinations of artificial colours (including tartrazine) and sodium benzoate in children. The results showed that some kids displayed increased hyperactivity. This finding was significant enough for the European Union to require warning labels on foods containing these dyes: “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
3. FDA’s Position
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration reviewed the evidence and found no solid proof that tartrazine causes hyperactivity in all children. However, they noted it could affect a small group who are sensitive to it.
From what I’ve gathered, it’s not about saying, “Yellow 5 makes every child hyperactive.” It’s more like: some children might be more sensitive to it, and for them, the effects are real.
The Sensitivity Factor
This is where it becomes personal for many parents. You could have two kids in the same home: one can eat a pack of brightly colored sweets without a mood change, while the other is bouncing off the walls within an hour.
It’s similar to how some people can drink coffee late at night and still sleep well, while others feel jittery from just one cup. Genetics, overall diet, and even gut health can influence how a child reacts to tartrazine.
Other Possible Side Effects
Besides behaviour, tartrazine has been linked—especially in sensitive individuals—to:
- Skin rashes or hives
- Migraines
- Asthma-like symptoms
That doesn’t mean it’s harmful to everyone, but it’s worth noting if you or your child frequently experience these issues and consume many artificially colored foods.
How to Spot (and Avoid) Tartrazine
The simplest way is to read labels. If you see any of these terms, you’re looking at Yellow 5:
- Tartrazine
- E102
- FD&C Yellow 5
You might also find it in surprising places like:
- Flavored chips
- Gelatin desserts
- Flavoured oatmeal packets
- Cough syrups or vitamin tablets
If you want to avoid it entirely, choose products that use natural colour alternatives like turmeric, saffron, annatto, or beta-carotene.
What I’ve Noticed Personally
In my own home, I’ve made a conscious effort to reduce foods with artificial dyes. It’s not always perfect—there’s still the occasional colourful candy at a birthday party—but I’ve found that eating mostly natural foods just feels better.
It’s not about fear; it’s about awareness. When you start paying attention, you see how much of our food’s bright colour comes from a lab instead of nature.
Practical Tips for Parents
If you’re unsure whether tartrazine affects your child, here’s a straightforward approach:
- Keep a food diary for two weeks. Note what they eat and any changes in mood, focus, or energy.
- Do a short elimination trial—remove artificial dyes from their diet for a couple of weeks and see if you notice any difference.
- Reintroduce one food with tartrazine and observe. If there’s a noticeable change, you may have your answer.
It’s not a perfect scientific method, but for everyday family life, it’s practical and insightful.
The Bottom Line
Tartrazine (Yellow 5) isn’t poison, but it’s also not a nutrient your body needs. The research suggests it can affect some children, particularly those already prone to attention or behaviour issues.
For most healthy individuals, small amounts may not create noticeable problems. However, if you’ve been concerned about your child’s energy spikes or focus challenges, it might be worth trying a dye-free diet for a while.
I view it this way: food is fuel. If an ingredient has even a small chance of affecting how I feel or think, and it doesn’t provide any nutritional benefits, I’d rather skip it when possible.
Final Thought:
Food manufacturers add colour because bright shades sell. But the more you learn about what creates that colour, the more you realise that nature’s palette—the yellow of real mango, the orange of fresh carrots—is plenty attractive on its own.
